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Eley Wood Post Mount Review

This manual hose reel is great, if you already have a standard garden hose, thanks to premium materials, a variety of mounting options, and an excellent user experience
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Eley Wood Post Mount Review
Hero
Credit: Hale Milano
Price:  $247 List
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Manufacturer:   Eley
By Hale Milano ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 1, 2024
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 10
  • Convenience - 35% 7.0
  • Performance - 35% 7.0
  • Construction Quality - 20% 10.0
  • Variety of Options - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Eley Wood Post Mount is an extremely high-quality and durable manual hose reel. This option has several different mounting options and positions available and can easily store up to 200 feet of ⅝ inch garden hose. Though this hose reel is easy to use and performs well, by far, the most advantageous features are the precision construction and premium materials. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line that will last for years to come and is beautiful in its own way, thanks to the high-quality parts, then the Eley may be right for you.
REASONS TO BUY
Premium quality materials
Sturdy and durable
High-capacity hose length
REASONS TO AVOID
Fixed reel direction
Expensive
Hose not included

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Premium Manual Reel
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Hose Reel
 Top Pick Award
Best Rotating Manual Reel
 
Price $247 List$160 List
$149.95 at Amazon
$249 List
$249.00 at Amazon
$204 List
$214.00 at Amazon
$29 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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32
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A premium and high-quality manual reel that features excellent construction quality and performance, but requires you to purchase a hose separatelyA high-performing and easy-to-use reel that is just as economical as it is convenientThis attractive model is easy to use and has excellent performance, making it a statement piece in your lineup of garden toolsA well-featured manual reel that also boasts a rotating reel, making it convenient for a variety of mounting locationsIf you're out to save money and don't need a long term solution, this reel will get the job done, but may leak heavily
Rating Categories Eley Wood Post Mount Ayleid Retractable... Hoselink Retractabl... Liberty Garden Sing... Suncast Sidewinder...
Convenience (35%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
3.5
Performance (35%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
2.0
Construction Quality (20%)
10.0
7.0
7.5
8.0
5.0
Variety of Options (10%)
8.0
9.5
7.0
7.0
3.0
Specs Eley Wood Post Mount Ayleid Retractable... Hoselink Retractabl... Liberty Garden Sing... Suncast Sidewinder...
Hose Length Capacity 125 feet for standard or 200ft of extra capacity for 5/8 inch diameter 65, 100, 130 feet 50 & 82 feet 125 feet 100 feet
Hose Included No Integrated Integrated No No
Connector Hose Length 6 feet 6 feet 7 feet 5 feet 4.5 feet
Retraction Mechanism Fixed Manual Reel Retractable Retractable Rotating Manual Reel Fixed Manual Reel
Rotation Ability None 180° 180° 360° None
Nozzle Included No Yes Yes No No
Coupling Shape Hex Hex Hex and Round Quick Release Hex Round
Material Metal PVC Anti-UV polymer Metal Plastic
Coupling Material Aluminum-alloy Brass Brass Brass Brass
Reel Type Wall or Post Mount Wall Mount Mountable Mountable Mountable
Dimensions 19" x 20" x 16" 18" x 9" x 15" 24" x 11" x 19" 20" x 19" x 22" 16" x 12" x 16"
Hose Diameter Capacity 5/8 or 3/4 inch 1/2 inch 9/16 inch 5/8 inch 5/8 inch
Length Tested 125 foot capacity 100 foot 82 foot n/a n/a

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Eley is a fixed manual reel, meaning that, once mounted, the drum will only face one direction. This can be an ideal space-saving and durable option thanks to fewer moving parts and a beefier design. The Eley takes this to the next level with premium materials and features that not only boost the convenience and performance, but also our entire attitude and perception towards this piece of yard equipment. The downside to this expensive reel is that it doesn't rotate or include a hose or nozzle, although both can be purchased separately from Eley and are of a similar high-quality build. The Eley can be purchased and used in several variations, providing a little variety in scenarios where this reel will be best.

Types of Hose Reels
Hose reels can vary quite a bit in terms of major design features and style. Our selection of the top hose reels can be categorized into three different types. Which style is best for you largely depends on what features you value most and how you plan to use the reel.
-Retractable Reels offer outstanding convenience and the benefit of an all-in-one package. Retractable reels feature automatic winding of an integrated hose, meaning you won't need to buy one separately. They frequently rotate up to 180 degrees.
-Fixed Manual Reels trade convenience for reliability. While you'll often need to purchase a hose separately, fewer moving pieces typically make for a more durable unit that can support larger hoses. Fixed reels don't rotate, so the mounting options are more limited, and you'll need to wind the hose up yourself.
-Rotating Manual Reels are the best-of-both-worlds option. They're reliable, since you wind the hose yourself. They also rotate, offering easier unwinding and more mounting options. You will still need to supply your own hose.

Performance Comparison


eley wood post mount - the eley is a premium hose reel with high-capacity hose length...
The Eley is a premium hose reel with high-capacity hose length capabilities.
Credit: Hale Milano

Convenience


Every time we tested a hose reel, evaluating how easy it was to use was at the top of our minds, and it was the first overall metric in our ranking process. Since the goal behind hose reels is to turn that jumbled and kinked pile of garden hose in your lawn into a neatly stored and easily accessible coil, we weighted the ease of use for each reel heavily in our testing process. The Eley is quite easy to use, though it does have some quirks.


Since the Eley is a fixed reel, unwinding it is limited to a narrow angle in front of the reel. Once you start getting close to 90 degrees from the direction your reel is facing, the hose tends to jump off the reel and jam in the mount. That said, the unit rotates very smoothly, and you're able to simply grab the nozzle and walk, with smooth unwinding the whole way.

The Eley unwinds very smoothly, but will jam if the hose is pulled sideways from the reel.
Credit: Hale Milano

Switching directions and winding the Eley is just as easy. The large diameter of the reel and free-spinning handle means you can get a secure grip and plenty of leverage to wind in heavy hoses with ease. We tested the Eley Reel with the our upgrade pick for garden hoses, also by Eley. This pairing meant everything went together easily, though we needed an extra hand to help coil the hose neatly while winding. The springy hose tended to want to jump around on us, especially with no guide while winding.

The Eley is sturdy enough that it can be easily wound with one hand while the other hand guides the reel. We did find that the Eley nozzle got bumped on every single time we did this though.
Credit: Hale Milano

Unlike some of the other manual reels in our lineup, the Eley does have the ability to lock the reel and prevent the hose from unwinding. The only downside to this process is it needs to be done at the reel, so it's of limited use. Even when winding, the lock doesn't help prevent the hose from uncoiling much.

The lock on the Eley is easy to use and works well but only really useful to prevent the hose from unwinding on its own, since it locks the reel from moving in either direction.
Credit: Hale Milano

Performance


We weighted the performance test metric equal to convenience. Since the manual hose reel didn't include a hose or nozzle, we primarily evaluated how well the connectors, valves, and stability of the reel worked. Since Eley also makes a garden hose and nozzle, we paired those items with the Eley reel for testing. Again, the Eley reel scored above average in this metric thanks to incredibly well-made components.


Every piece and component of the Eley reel was designed and manufactured with precision, and because of this, the entire unit, as well as every feature, tended to perform its job very well. Though there isn't an integrated valve, the connectors on the Eley are well-made and easy to use. Connecting the leader hose to the reel was a little tricky, but the solid brass connection is sure to last for a long time. It also doesn't leak at all.

eley wood post mount - secure clamps and precision parts results in a high-performance hose...
Secure clamps and precision parts results in a high-performance hose reel.
Credit: Hale Milano

Although we didn't factor the hose and nozzle performance into the score of the Eley, we would be remiss if we didn't comment on how much we love them. The Eley hose nozzle may be the heaviest nozzle short of those on an actual fire hose, but it's comfortable to hold, has a fun lever control feature, and produces absolutely gorgeous streams of water. The jet attachment works amazingly well, too. The Eley hose is durable and performs great as well, though it does get a little springy and bouncy around the reel while winding it up.

In addition to the high-performing reel components like the ergonomic and free spinning handle, the nozzle and hose made by Eley also perform well.

Regarding the reel itself, this manual hose reel is an absolute tank. Though the Eley is quite large and heavy, its bombproof construction means it doesn't budge, shake, or wiggle at all while winding or unwinding, even supporting a full 100-foot hose.

Even supporting the weight of a full 100-foot garden hose, the reel doesn't budge in the mount or wobble off axis.
Credit: Hale Milano

Variety of Options


For a fixed manual reel, we are quite impressed with the variety of options the Eley is available in. We assessed features like an included hose, nozzle and valves, but also different options or variants of the reel model by the manufacturer that could increase usability across different scenarios. We also considered the hose capacity and length of the connector hose.


The Eley doesn't include a hose, nozzle, or valves, though these are available from the manufacturer. The reel is available in two different sizes that can support either 125 feet or up to 200 feet of hose. Eley also offers a kit that enables you to mount the unit on a 4x4 or 6x6 post versus flat wall. In addition to the 6 ½ foot leader hose, these options increase the variety of mounting options and locations you have.

eley wood post mount - the eley has an optional add on that lets you mount the reel on...
The Eley has an optional add on that lets you mount the reel on either a 6x6 or 4x4 post.
Credit: Hale Milano

Though the Eley is a fixed manual reel, meaning it doesn't rotate at all, you do have two choices when mounting your reel in the direction you'd like it to unwind. Changing the orientation of the mounting arm means you can decide between the reel winding parallel or perpendicular to the mounting surface. Which you choose is a matter of preference and the direction in which you intend to pull and use the hose.

Mounting the reel perpendicular versus parallel to the mounting surface.

Construction Quality


We spent several months testing hose reels to ensure we evaluated them in a variety of conditions and could compare how they held up to the elements. After all, you'll likely store your reel outside, where it will be exposed to harsh conditions, and you want to be sure your investment will last for many seasons. The Eley absolutely excels in this metric thanks to premium materials and manufacturing. To say the construction quality of the Eley is impressive is an understatement.


Every component of the Eley reel, including the mounting hardware and fasteners themselves, is incredibly well made. The reel itself is thick, rigid aluminum construction with a powder-coat finish and stainless steel hardware. The fittings are solid brass. All the components that water flows through, including the hose and nozzle, are lead-free, too. This means as long as your water source is drinking safe, the water from your hose will be as well. Even the instructions for mounting and assembling the reel are impressive.

The fittings and fixtures on the Eley are solid brass and...
The fittings and fixtures on the Eley are solid brass and professional-grade.
Every piece of the Eley reel is designed and made with quality and durability in mind.

Should You Buy the Eley Wood Post Mount?


The Eley reel is a premium fixed manual reel that inspires confidence thanks to excellent materials and construction. If you are already fond of your current garden hose and are just looking for storage for it, this is an attractive and durable option. It offers many ergonomic features that will support some of the largest garden hoses you might have. If you're looking for one of the most durable and high-performing manual reels, then we highly recommend the Eley.

eley wood post mount - we loved the ability to easily store and use a 100-foot hose in a...
We loved the ability to easily store and use a 100-foot hose in a small area, out of sight behind a patio.
Credit: Hale Milano

What Other Hose Reels Should You Consider?


While there's lots to love about the Eley, many other reels in our lineup of the best retractable and manual hose reels offer comparable or alternative features that may interest you as well. Another manual reel in our lineup is the Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator. This option is also made from high-quality metal and features a rotating reel and the option for a shelf or basket. An ultra-budget-friendly option is the Suncast Sidewinder Mounted reel. Though the price of this option is very attractive, we experienced some issues and leaks that raised major concerns, and we recommend it only for light-duty or temporary solutions.

eley wood post mount - there are a variety of options to choose from when selecting a hose...
There are a variety of options to choose from when selecting a hose reel from other manual reels to automatic retractable reels.
Credit: Hale Milano

Hale Milano
 

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